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Anonymous
Anonymous asked in HealthDiseases & ConditionsSkin Conditions · 1 decade ago

is poison ivy contagious URGENT?

my cousin was goin to come over but he got poison ivy can he still come over or is it contagious

11 Answers

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  • 1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    It is NOT contagious. Once he has washed all the urushiol (the chemical in the sap that causes the allergic reaction) off his body there's no risk of him giving it to you. He should also wash clothing, shoes and anything else that may have come into contact with the plants. The rash itself is not contagious. The only way you could get it from another person is if they still have some of the oil on their skin and you touch it.

  • Sappho
    Lv 4
    1 decade ago

    The ivy itself is contagious only through physical contact. The oil which causes the skin allergy in most humans can survive for years even after the plant has died. However, if he has washed off the area thoroughly, and he doesn't pick at it, you will be just fine. It is certainly not contagious through the air, so being near him will not hurt you.

  • 1 decade ago

    i googled it and here is the anwser..........

    Poison ivy is contagious only by spreading the actual plant oil/resin; the rash itself is not contagious and does not spread. Scratching the rash during the first few days could spread the oil to other parts of the infected person's body, or to another person who might be allergic. A few good showers and a laundry should eliminate the residue of the plant oil.

    good luck!

  • 1 decade ago

    No it is not contagious. If your cousin has washed the poison ivy oils off, he is unlikely to make you itch. Calamine lotion, Aveeno, benadryl, and cortisone may all help him feel better. He may not be happy, but he is not contagious.

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  • mel s
    Lv 6
    1 decade ago

    Yes, the fluid in the blisters if they are busted are contagious. I gave my brother a terrible case one time. The problem is, it is too irresistible. You have to scratch and bust those blisters!

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    It is extremely contagious. It's spread by touch.

  • 1 decade ago

    Ask your cousin to talk to a doctor and make sure you advise him to in case it is.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    ONLY by touch.

    If your cuz's infected area touches a pillow and then you touch the pillow, you'll get it.

  • IT'S EXTREMELY CONTAGIOUS!!!

  • 1 decade ago

    nope, he can still come over.

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